In the late spring of 1911, a tragedy unfolded in Pawnee City that would end in the death of a dedicated lawman. On May 29, 1911, Sheriff Cloud H. Fuller, a 53-year-old White/Caucasian male, was killed in the line of duty. The events leading to his death began with a horrific crime committed by a man named James Fielder. Fielder, who was reportedly infatuated with 18-year-old Jessie McVitty, became enraged when her parents forbade him from seeing her due to his reputation as a heavy drinker.
In a fit of rage, Fielder went to the McVitty home and attacked the family with a hammer while they slept. He killed Dennis and Sarah McVitty, and their six-year-old daughter, Nettie. He also injured three of their sons, John, Frank, and Robert. After the brutal attack, Fielder abducted Jessie McVitty. He took her to the state line before releasing her. Jessie made her way back home, discovered the horrific scene, and alerted Sheriff Fuller.
Upon receiving the news, Sheriff Fuller quickly assembled a posse and pursued the suspect. They tracked Fielder to a small shed just over the Kansas-Nebraska border. As Fuller attempted to make the arrest, an exchange of gunfire erupted. During the shootout, Sheriff Fuller was mortally wounded. In the end, the suspect, James Fielder, took his own life. Sheriff Fuller was survived by his wife and children.
